Riannon's POV

15 minutes later and we arrived at my place, the rain still pouring heavily. I glanced out of the window towards the building door,wondering if we should wait or make a run for it. Even if we did wait it out, we'd be stuck here for many hours so might as well get drenched a bit.

'I think it's better we go inside than sit out here. You're gonna catch a cold.' Jinyoung finally said after a while.

'Okay.' I replied deciding it was the better option anyways.

We opened our doors and ran as fast as we could towards the apartment, our shoes making loud splashes with every step. I opened the door of the building quickly and we walked up the staircase, slightly shivering from the cold.

As we stepped into my apartment, a sense of warmth greeted us since the heating system had been switched on. I guess I was kind of glad for the extra utilities despite the rent amount. Jinyoung followed behind me and looked around the space with interest. He always seemed like a curious kid in my opinion.

I went to the bedroom to take out an electric heater for extra warmth and to dry ourselves off and placed it in front of the couch. Thankfully, the distance from the car to the building wasn't much so we weren't really wet.

'Do you have a first aid kit?' Jinyoung asked as his eyes swept around the room.

'Yeah, hold on.' I went to the bedroom again, grabbed the kit and set it down on the table.

'Here, I'll do it,' he said as he stood up from his seat, 'You go warm yourself up.'

I went and sat comfortably on the couch and he sat next to me, gently taking my hand in his as he inspected the small bruises on my palm and my arm. He took a few cotton pads and went to the sink to soak it with water, came back and wiped the dried blood off the cuts. He made sure it was dry before he applied an ointment and rummaged inside for the bandaids. He found my collection of bandages with cartoon prints and looked up at me with an amused expression.

'Really now?' He had a grin on his face and I couldn't help but blush out of embaressment.

'I still like cartoons, so what?' I mumbled as he let out a light hearted chuckle. He carefully placed the bandaids on all the cuts and smiled at his work.
'There! All done.'

'Thank you again for taking care of me Jinyoung.' I really was grateful to him for always helping me out even though I don't ask for it or expect anyone to.

'No worries Riannon. Oh and I have a favour to ask, if that's okay if you.' He said as he turned his face to look at mine.

I figured if there was anything I could help him with, I'd gladly offer my assistance. After all, he had helped me so many times already and it was the least I could do to repay him.

'Well I know how much you dislike social events and believe me I do just as much. But could you accompany me to a dinner party between the various companies tomorrow? We have to bring someone along and frankly, I don't really talk to people much. You're the only ..well..closest friend I have.' He gave me a sincere look and waited for my answer.

I thought about it for a moment and knew in the back of my head that there was a high chance that I might meet Jackson and Jiyeon but if I let them dictate what I do, then I won't be living my own life with freedom to do things as I wished anymore. I had to be stronger than this and be able to face them. And I didn't want to refuse Jinyoung's request since he had had my back so many times already.
It was about time, I did the same for him.

'Alright.' I smiled at him as his eyes lit up, 'I'll go with you tomorrow.'

'Thank you Riannon.' He wrapped his arms around me and I let him, as I leaned my head against his shoulder, hoping I made the right decision.
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I was standing in front of my closet, staring at it blankly because I couldn't really decide on what would be suitable enough for such an occasion when my phone rang. I looked at the contact and it was Yugyeom. I picked up the call only to hear a loud screeching noise on the end of the line.

'Yugyeom!!!! What the helll????!!!'

'That was for not calling me the past few days!' I could imagine his satisfied smug plastered over his face.

'You could have just called if you missed me that much you know.'

'Well I was kinda busy with practice Riannnoon.'

'Then why are you even complaining?' I couldn't help laughing at his silly attempt at an argument.

'Yugyeom I'm in a fix.' I suddenly remembered my dilemma earlier before he called.

'What is it?? Did someone do something to you???! Do I have to kill anyone?? Tell mee!!'

'So dramatic but no. Actually Jinyoung asked me to accompany him to the dinner party tonight and I'm nervous. I don't even have anything proper to wear,' I huffed out in frustration, already rethinking about pulling back.

'Jinyoung? THE PARK JINYOUNG JUNIOR?' Yugyeom asked incredulously.

'Yeah?'

'Why didn't you tell me this?! You are so mean! Give me all the juicy details!!! Right now!'

'There's nothing to tell. He's just a friend.'

'Mmmhmmm...I believe you.' I know if he were here, I would have surely given him a punch or two.

'Oh coming back to your dilemma though, don't worry. Even I'll be there so you don't need to be nervous. And Jinyoung bro is a really nice person, he.. he will treat you well,' he said softly. I knew that even he was thinking about Jackson but it was hard for both of us to address the topic since we barely knew what even went wrong.

The line was silent for a moment before he cleared his throat and went back to his normal cheerful self again. 'And as for your second problem. I know just what you need. I'll be there in 15,' he said happily.

'Huh? What?'

'Byyyee Riannon.' He sang merrily before hanging up.

I collapsed into the bed behind me, falling into the soft mattress. I brought my palm across my face and rubbed my forehead. I can feel a headache beginning to develop so I decided to rest for a while till Yugyeom arrived, still wondering how he'd solve the problem by coming over.

20 minutes later, I heard the doorbell and I slowly got up, still feeling groggy. The moment I opened the door, Yugyeom barged through and hugged me tight.

'Ca-can't brea-eathe!!' I managed to utter against his jacket.

'You deserved that!' He released me and smiled down at me brightly. 'Well! Straight to business since even I have to go get ready otherwise the stylist will murder me if I'm late. And I hired someone as well to help you out!'

He stepped aside to reveal a woman behind him who was holding a lot of bags in her hands and smiling at me.

'Yugyeom, you didn't have to you know.' I felt so overwhelmed by his efforts to help me out with just a simple thing.

He only gave me a gentle smile and pinched my cheeks, ' I know, but I wanted to. So go get dressed quickly and kill everyone later okay? You're gonna look stunning as always.'

'Thank you Yugyeom, for being the best friend ever.' I gave him a hug of my own and couldn't stop smiling.

'Always. See you later okay.' He ruffled my hair and left.

'Come on in.' I told the lady kindly as she brought in all her bags filled with accessories and make up.

She set up her work station in front of my vanity mirror and laid out all the requirements. But before starting, she pulled out a package and unzipped it,revealing what was inside. Well I know that I might not have been the kind of girl who was really into dresses and stuff but even I'd say this one really took my breath away.

She pulled it out slowly, a light blue coloured dress. The upper half was drapped in lace with an intricately designed neckline, not too low,but modest, a thick string of the lace extending to the back to cover the shoulder blades and the back of the neck but the rest was backless till the waist. The lower half was a continuation of the lace material above made to fit the curves of the hips till the thighs perfectly and then flaring out slightly as silky smooth large pleats. It was absolutely gorgeous.

'Yugyeom sir chose this. He said that you.. well in his words are 'gonna rock it!'. We both laughed at his statement and started getting ready since I didn't have much time left.

I went to take a shower and dried myself off quickly. She started working on my hair first and curled it into large waves. She made it simple and fixed only a few silver accessories here and there since I told her I didn't want to overdo it. Next, she worked on my make up, doing her best to make it look natural. Honestly, I didn't wanna look like a clown either. After she was done, she helped me put on the dress and luckily I had a pair of heels to go along with it. I looked at myself in the mirror and was satisfied that at least I looked presentable enough, the dress fitting me perfectly.

I thanked the lady profusely and offered her something to eat or drink but she declined since she had another job somewhere else as well. Just as I closed the door after she left, the doorbell rang again. I thought she might have forgotten something so I went to open it immediately.

'Did you for-' my words were stuck in my throat as my eyes met with Jinyoung's. I didn't realise it was that late and that he'd be here already. I tried not to appear like I was ogling at him but I couldn't deny that he looked extremely handsome in his black tuxedo and especially with his hair combed back sleekly.

He seemed like he was at a loss for words as well as he took a long look at me,making me feel really self conscious. I felt embarrassed and couldn't look at him in the eyes and stared at my feet instead.

I felt him slide his fingers underneath my chin as he tilted it up gently. 'You don't have to be shy. You look beautiful Riannon.'

'Thank you Jinyoung.' I smiled back at him.

'Shall we go?'

'Hold on. I'll just go take my phone and my purse.'

I went to my bedroom quickly and grabbed everything I needed and stuffed them into my purse. When I returned to the living room, Jinyoung was playing with my cat and they both looked up at me when I entered, making me grin at the both of them. Usually my cat, Snuffles didn't like strangers but he seemed to be getting along well with Jinyoung.

'Let's go then.' Jinyoung smiled as he patted the cat and took my hand to help me walk down the stairs and into the car.

It was already dark as we drove towards the venue, soft music drifting through the radio. I was comfortable with Jinyoung, even if he didn't talk much, it didn't feel awkward at all. Rather I was glad, because I had a lot of time to think.

After a few minutes we arrived in front of the hotel, dozens of people waiting at the entrace. There were so many reporters and they immediately ran towards the car with their cameras, making me feel nauseous as my anxiety peaked. I swallowed a large lump as I looked at the crowd of people outside.

My hands started trembling when I felt two warm hands around mine, making me turn towards the owner.
'Calm down Riannon. I will make sure nobody comes near you or make you feel uneasy okay? Just keep your head high and enjoy the night,' He smiled reassuringly while I wondered when did my life have a complete turnabout where I am suddenly attending such parties. I think I loved my previous quiet life more.

'Breathe. I'll be right there next to you so focus only on me and drown out the rest of the people outside okay.' He got off the car and went over to my side to open the door.

The moment he did, the noise of the crowd flooded my senses, people were firing questions accompanied by the sound of the cameras flashing from every corner. But through all that chaos, I did what jinyoung said and focused only on him. He held out his hand, a calm expression on his face and that gentle smile always gracing his features. I took a deep breath and composed myself, taking his hand as I got out of the car to stand next to him. As we took each step towards the door, I only hoped that this night would turn out better than the rest.

I'm sorry if the chapter was too long but i hope you like the story so far. :')